Google acquires server computer startup PeakStream

BERKELEY, California (Reuters) - Google Inc. said on Tuesday it has acquired PeakStream Inc., a maker of software for running powerful computers, as the Web search leader seeks ever more computer power.

PeakStream makes systems designed to run on both computer workstations and computer servers, which are used to manage network services. Google operates one of the world's largest networks of servers but declines to detail its size.

Terms were not disclosed by Mountain View, California-based Google, according to spokesman Aaron Zamost.

PeakStream's Web site has been shut down. A cached version on Google's search service says PeakStream offers the first commercially available software application platform to help technicians program high performance, multi-core and parallel processing machines.

PeakStream has said the company was inspired by Stanford University's Brook Project on stream programming, which is a form of parallel computer design optimized for handling data-intensive images, video and other digital processing jobs.

The two-year-old company had received $17 million in funding from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia Capital and Foundation Capital. Kleiner Perkins and Sequoia Capital were the two original financial backers of Google.

The acquisition was first reported in the online technology publication Register.com.